Ouch! How To Soothe Sensitive Skin - Fast

Cool air outdoors, coupled with dry indoor heat, can exacerbate skin sensitivity. “Itchy, dry and scaly skin stems from a weakening and cracking of the skin’s protective barrier, which makes it less able to repair itself and more vulnerable to product-induced irritation,” explains Lilli Gordon, CEO and founder of First Aid Beauty. “Unless you treat it fast, it can become a vicious cycle.”

Barrier defense: If your otherwise normal skin tends to feel more sensitive this time of year, you’re not alone. “When moisture is depleted from skin, this causes tiny cracks in the barrier and allows irritants to enter more easily,” explains Gordon. “A healthy skin barrier is your first line of defense, so enrich the outer layer with antioxidants, fatty acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.” Try bareMinerals Butter Drench Restorative Rich Cream, $55

“Moisture is the holy grail of skincare – if you moisturize once a day in summer, do it twice a day in winter.”